Gemstone registration and recovery system, and systems for evaluating the light performance of a gemstone and capturing forensic characteristics of a gemstone

ABSTRACT

A computer-implemented system is provided and includes a processor and a memory accessible by the processor, with the system being configured to measure light performance properties of a gemstone and generate an objective grade for the gemstone.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/723,042, filed May 27, 2015, which claims priority to U.S.patent application Ser. No. 62/003,133, filed May 27, 2014, which ishereby expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The present application is also related to U.S. patent application Ser.No. 14/049,033, filed Oct. 8, 2013, which claims priority to U.S. patentapplication 61/710,883, filed Oct. 8, 2012, and is also related to U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/542,100, filed Jul. 5, 2012, and isfurther related to U.S. Pat. No. 5,124,935; U.S. Pat. No. 5,828,405; andU.S. published patent application No. 2010/0092067, each of which ishereby expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a system for classifying and recordinginformation with respect to gemstones and providing an owner with anaccurate optical identification of the gemstone and provides wholesaleand retail establishments, law enforcement, government, and insuranceagencies with a verification system and further relates to a system thatuses quantifiable and reproducible data to evaluate how well a gemstoneis cut by looking at a plurality of different metrics of lightperformance or light handling ability, including but not limited tolight return, brilliance, optical symmetry, scintillation andoptionally, light dispersion, etc.

BACKGROUND

Gemstones have their own unique optical response and this opticalresponse can be used for accurate identification of the gemstones. Inthis regard, U.S. Pat. No. 3,947,120 discloses an arrangement forproviding an optical fingerprint of a gemstone where a laser beam isfocused on a gemstone and the optical response of the gemstone isrecorded on a recording medium, preferably a photographic medium. Thisarrangement provides a fingerprint of the gemstone which is reproducibleand has been held by the courts to be sufficient evidence to prove thatthe gemstone under consideration having a certain optical response isthe same as a previously identified gemstone having essentially the sameoptical response.

The traditional techniques for evaluating how well a gemstone is cut arevery subjective in nature and therefore, subject to differentinterpretation and also suffer from a lack of complete reproducibility.For example, to properly judge the cut of a diamond, one must know thetable diameter (%), the crown angle (in degrees), the pavilion depth(%), the girdle thickness (%), and the culet size, as well as the anglesby which they are joined. This sort of information is commonly found fordiamonds which have a certification (commonly from GIA, AGS, GCAL, orEGL). Depending upon the cut of the diamond (e.g., round brilliant cut),various laboratories provide different proportions for their top levelof cut, which can be “ideal” or “excellent” cut.

As will be appreciated, this type of traditional evaluation of thequality of the gemstone cut is based entirely on the dimensions of thecut and fails to take into account the quality and internal structure ofthe stone itself. In other words, the ranking of diamond cuts byevaluating the dimensions of the cut assumes a flawless diamond andtherefore, most diamonds are not flawless, this traditional system doesnot take into account the quality and internal structure of the diamond.

SUMMARY

A computer-implemented system is provided and includes a processor and amemory accessible by the processor, with the system being configured tomeasure light performance properties of a gemstone and generate anobjective grade for the gemstone. The system includes a mount in whichthe gemstone is held and a light source for directing a focused beam oflight onto the gemstone to produce an output of the internal refractionand reflection characteristics of the gemstone including reflected lightbeams having particular locations, sizes and intensities. The systemalso includes an automated positioning mechanism for changing a positionof the gemstone relative to the focused beam of light. The automatedpositioning mechanism is configured to move a platform on which thegemstone rests according to the following directions: pitch, roll, andyaw rotation.

In addition, a primary imaging device is provided to capture a Gemprintof the gemstone and a secondary imaging device is provided to captureadditional image information concerning the gemstone as describedherein.

The system includes a client application stored in the memory that, whenexecuted by the processor, configures the system to: (a) measure a lightreturn property, an optical symmetry property and a scintillationproperty of the gemstone by recording the output in a manner to recordthe relative size and location of the reflected light beams; and (b)analyze the output with respect to each of the light return property,the optical symmetry property and the scintillation property relative toinformation stored in a numerical scoring database to generate a gradefor each of the light return property, the optical symmetry property andthe scintillation property.

These and other aspects, features and advantages shall be apparent fromthe accompanying Drawings and description of certain embodiments of theinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING FIGURES

FIG. 1 is front and side perspective view of gem registration deviceaccording to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is rear and side perspective view of the device;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view thereof;

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view thereof with the cover being removed toshow additional parts;

FIG. 5 is a front and side perspective view with a top housing memberbeing removed;

FIG. 6 is rear and side perspective view with the housing being removed;

FIG. 7 is a side perspective view with the housing being removed;

FIG. 8 is a front and side perspective view with the housing beingremoved;

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of a gimbal assembly;

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the gimbal assembly;

FIG. 11 is a top and side perspective view of the gimbal assembly;

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the device within the bottom housingremoved to show a lighting system in the device; and

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of components of an exemplary computersystem.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1-3 show a gemstone registration device (system) 100 according toone embodiment of the present invention in a fully assembled conditionand in particular, the device 100 is in the form of a device forproducing an optical pattern by exposing a gemstone to a beam of light.The device 100 is similar to and includes a number of features describedwith respect to any of the devices disclosed in the patent applicationsand/or patents incorporated by reference herein, including the devicewhich is described in detail in U.S. patent application publication No.2014/0063485 (the '485 publication) which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

As shown in FIGS. 1-12, the device 100 includes a housing 110 thatcontains the working components of the device 100 and provides acompact, visually pleasing product. The housing 110 is formed of anumber of individual parts that are mated together to form the assembledhousing 110. More particularly, the housing 110 includes a cover 120 anda base (bottom sidewall portion) 130 to which the cover 120 mates.

The housing 110 is a substantially hollow structure which contains theworking components of the device 100. The cover 120 is intended to besecured to the base 130 during normal operation and includes a doormember 140 which moves between a closed position (FIG. 1) and an openposition which allows insertion and removal of a gemstone. The doormember 140 is can be pivotally coupled to the cover 120. The base 130can include a power button 132 which allows the user to power up thedevice 100 when actuated by the user. The base 130 can also include oneor more ports 134 to allow the device 100 to be connected to an externaldevice such as a personal computer, mobile device, network, etc.

As best shown in FIG. 2, the device 100 can include a display 101, suchas an LCD screen or the like (see FIG. 8). The display 101 can bemovable between a retracted position (FIG. 1) in which the display 101is contained within the housing 110 and an extended position in whichthe display 101 is disposed above the top surface of the housing 110 foreasy viewing by the user. A display actuator 103, such as a knob,button, slider, etc., can be manipulated to cause the display 101 tomove between the two positions. The display 101 is thus slidablysupported on a display frame generally shown at 105. The cover 120includes an opening/slot 121 through which the display 101 passes. Thedisplay 101 can also be configured to freely rotate and/or tilt to allowit to be positioned in an optimal position with respect to an individualuser. The actuator 103 can be of a manual type or an automated type andtherefore, the display can be manually operated (e.g., cranked) by theuser or in an automated version, the user can simply press a button orthe like to operate the display 101. The display 101 can be of atouchscreen type that allows direct manipulation by the user.

The display 101 can be a 7″ LCD touch screen that has the followingfeatures and functions:

-   -   1) The addition of the touch screen will allow for all control        of the instrument to be handled from the screen. With the        addition of a processor internal the instrument, a computer or        tablet would no longer be necessary to operate the instrument.    -   2) The screen is on a spring loaded pole that moves up and down,        and allows the user to tuck the screen away after use, or pull        the screen up during use and allow the customer to watch        everything that is happening in the instrument. The pole also        allows for 360 degrees of rotation, so no matter the position of        the instrument relative to the customer and user, the screen can        be rotated to the proper viewing angle.    -   3) Finally, the LCD screen will be able to show the customer the        live view of the primary camera, secondary camera, or animations        sent to the screen through the software application executed by        the device.

The device 100 can thus be a standalone unit as shown and can be easilytransported.

The housing 110 also includes a bottom base (platform) 150 whichcompletes the housing 110 and is disposed along the bottom thereof andrepresents a ground contacting portion of the housing. The base 150 is asubstantially planar tray-like structure. The base 150 thus includes abottom wall that represents a floor. The base 150 is a planar surfacethat seats on a ground surface, such as a table.

When the parts 120, 130 are assembled, the housing 110 only includes onemain access point, namely through the door member 140.

The device 100 also includes a number of sub-assemblies that include theworking components of the device 100 that ensure proper positioning ofthe gemstone and generation of a beam of light for producing a uniqueoptical pattern (the gem's “fingerprint”) that is generated when thegemstone is exposed to the beam of light as well as images and datacollected by the secondary camera. One sub-assembly concerns the opticsand light beam generating means.

The device 100 includes a planar substrate 160 that is disposed abovethe floor of the base 150. The planar substrate 160 is oriented so thatis parallel to the floor but spaced therefrom to permit workingcomponents to be disposed thereunderneath between the floor and thesubstrate 160. The planar substrate 160 has a slit or opening 165 formedtherein and is generally located in the middle of the substrate 160 andextending from one side to the other side of the generally square shapedsubstrate 160. This opening 165 allows the focused light beam to exitfrom its source underneath the substrate 160 and be directed, in acontrolled manner, toward the gemstone that rests above the substrate160 as described herein. In the present embodiment, the light beam isgenerated centrally relative to the substrate 160 and thus passesthrough the center of the slit 160. Alternatively, the source of lightcan be mounted above the substrate 160.

In accordance with the present invention, the light beam generatingmeans is in the form of a laser that is disposed underneath thesubstrate 160 and aligned with the opening 165 such that the light beamgenerated by the laser passes through the opening 165 in an unimpededmanner.

The laser is operatively connected to a power source and a controller,such as a printed circuit board (PCB) to allow the controlled operationof the laser.

As discussed herein, the device 100 is an electronic device andtherefore includes a processor and other electronics to controloperation of the various components and to allow processing of datacollected by the components of the device 100. Further, the device 100can be connected to a peripheral device, such as a computer (personalcomputer) to allow the data collected by the device 100 to be stored (inmemory) and processed by the computer which contains a processor thatexecutes code (software) to allow precise control of the gemstonepositioning and to allow imaging to be displayed (live video feed) asdiscussed herein.

Any number of suitable lasers can be used so long as they perform theintended function, including a solid state laser diode. The lasercooperates with an optical arrangement to produce a collimated focusedlaser light beam. The optical arrangement adapts this type of laser tothe required, focused, precise light beam suitable to this application.The light beam passes through a narrow opening formed in the substrate160 which, as described herein, functions as a screen.

As described below, the collimated beam passes through another opticalarrangement and subsequently strikes the gemstone that is supported andoriented such that the table of the gemstone is perpendicular to thelight beam. The optical arrangement includes a lens assembly that actson the light beam.

Each gemstone, due to the inherent properties of the gemstone and thecutting of the gemstone, produces a unique optical response which can bedistinguished from the optical response from other gemstones. As eachgemstone is aligned and centered relative to the beam as describedherein, the optical response is inherent to the gemstone such that theoptical pattern is consistent. This optical pattern, however, will be ata different rotational position relative to the axis of the light beamas the gemstone position changes and based on the initial placement andorientation of the gemstone.

In order to mount the optical arrangement, an optics mount assembly 170is provided and includes a lens. Additional details concerning anexemplary optics mount assembly 170, including the lens, are set forthin the '485 publication.

In accordance with the present invention, an imaging/recording device375 is provided for capturing the optical output response that is uniqueto the gemstone. According to one embodiment, the device 375 is in theform of a charge couple device, such as a two-dimensional CCD (chargecouple device) video camera 375 is positioned and is directed at thescreen (substrate) 160. The two-dimensional CCD camera 375 is adjustedto cover the focused optical response provided on the screen, allowingthis entire image to be captured at the same point in time. Additionaldetails concerning the camera 375 are set forth in the '485 publication.The camera 375 can be thought of as being a primary camera that is usedto collect data used to create (calculate) the gemprint.

As discussed in Applicant's prior patents, a calibration system can beprovided for calibrating the camera position relative to the substrate160.

The device 100 also includes a gemstone holder assembly 200 (FIG. 5)that is adjustable to allow the position of the gemstone to be adjustedrelative to the light beam in order to allow optimal alignment of thegemstone to be achieved. As discussed herein, the assembly 200 is anautomated mechanism that allows the gemstone to be adjusted in more thantwo directions.

The gemstone holder assembly 200 includes a motion plate 210 thatincludes a central opening 212 which is disposed above the light beamsuch that the motion plate 210 does not interfere with the passage ofthe light beam. The motion plate 210 supports a gimbal assembly 300(FIG. 9) as described herein. The motion plate 210 can be controllablymoved in two directions, namely, an X direction and a Y direction. Thehousing 110 includes a pair of side walls 111 and a pair of first guiderods 220 is disposed between the two side walls 111. One first guide rod220 is located at the front, while the other first guide rod 220 islocated at the rear. The spaced guide rods 220 can be attached at theirends to the two respective side walls 111.

The assembly 200 includes a plurality of two-way slide supports 230 thatrepresent block-like structures that have through holes formed therein.In the illustrated embodiment, there are four two-way supports 230located in the four corners of the plate 210 which has a square shape.Each support 230 includes a first passage or through hole (bore) 232 anda second passage or through hole (bore) 234 which is formedperpendicular to the first through hole 232. The first passage 232 islocated above the second passage 234 when the support 230 is oriented inits normal operating position. The first guide rod 220 is disposedwithin the second passage 234 in a sliding manner in that each support230 can slide along the first guide rod 220.

The supports 230 thus represent a support frame on which the motionplate 210 is supported. The two guide rods 220 are located parallel toone another and therefore can be thought of as extending in the xdirection. As such, when the supports 230 move along the respective rods220, the plate 210 moves in the x direction a predetermined distance asdescribed herein.

The assembly also includes a pair of second guide rods 225 that aredisposed in a plane above the plane that contains the first guide rods220. The second guide rods 225 are oriented parallel to one another andalong axes that are perpendicular to axes that contain the first guiderods 220. Each second guide rod 225 is disposed between two supports 230and the ends of the second guide rod 225 pass through the first passage232 of the respective supports 230.

A plurality of one-way slide supports 240 is provided along each of thesecond guide rods 225. Each one-way slide support 240 is coupled to theunderside of the motion plate 210 and includes a through hole 242through which the second guide rod 225 passes, thereby allowing theone-way slide supports 240 to slide along the second guide rod 225.Since the one-way supports 240 are coupled to the underside of themotion plate 210, the plate 210 can move a predetermined distance alongthe second guide rods 225 in the y direction.

It will therefore be appreciated that the first and second guide rods220, 225 in combination with the supports 230, 240 allow the motionplate 210 to move a controlled distance in both the x and y directions.This allows for the gemstone supported on the motion plate 210 asdescribed herein to be moved to a target location relative to the lasersource at least in the x, y directions.

The movement of the motion plate 210 is controlled by one or moreactuators and in particular, a first linear actuator (stepper motor) 250can be provided and is coupled to the motion plate 210. The first motor250 is configured to drive the motion plate 210 in the y-direction alongthe second rails 225. The first motor 250 (linear actuator) can becoupled to the motion plate 210 by a drive plate 252 (Y-direction) thatis attached to the motion plate 210. As a result, the controlledoperation of the first motor 250 causes controlled incremental movementof the motion plate 210 in the Y-direction. Similarly, a second linearactuator (stepper motor) 260 can be provided and be coupled to themotion plate 210 to cause controlled movement thereof in theX-direction. For example, a drive plate 265 can be coupled at its endsto two two-way slide supports 230. Thus, linear driving of the driveplate 265 in the x-direction is translated to the two-way slide supports230 being driven in the x-direction and this in turn causes the motionplate 210 to move in the x-direction.

As a result, the controlled operation of the two linear actuators 250,260 allows for controlled, precise movement of the motion plate 210 ineach of the x and y directions.

The gemstone holder assembly also includes the gimbal assembly 300 whichis mounted and carried by the motion plate 210. As is known, a gimbal isa pivoted support that allows the rotation of an object about a singleaxis. A set of two gimbals, one mounted on the other with pivot axesorthogonal, may be used to allow an object mounted on the innermostgimbal to remain immobile (i.e., vertical in the animation) regardlessof the motion of its support. The gimbal assembly 300 is in the form ofa double gimbal (as in the device disclosed in the '485 publication) andmore specifically, the gimbal assembly 300 includes a first gimbal 310that represents an outer gimbal. The first gimbal 310 is a continuousstructure that has a flat back wall 312 and a rounded front wall 314 andthus is generally in the form of a ring. The first gimbal 310 is ahollow member in that a central opening is formed therein. Along theback wall 312, a notch 313 is formed (e.g., a U-shaped notch). Inaddition, along one side of the first gimbal 310, a first couplingmember 317 is mounted to one side and protrudes outwardly therefrom. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the first coupling member 317 is a hollowarm structure that is coupled to a drive shaft of a first gimbal motor320 for controlled movement of the first gimbal 310.

The first gimbal 310 is thus supported and operatively connected to thefirst gimbal motor 320 that imparts movement to the first gimbal 310.For example, the motor 320 can be a servo motor that provides precisecontrol over the movement of the first gimbal 310. Under the drivingaction of the first gimbal motor 310, the first gimbal 310 rotates abouta first axis. Since the first gimbal 310 and the related parts, such asmotor 320, are carried by the motion plate 210, these parts likewisemove in the x and y directions with the motion plate 210.

The gimbal assembly 300 also includes a second gimbal 330 thatrepresents an inner gimbal. The second gimbal 330 is configured to restwithin the hollow interior space of the first gimbal 310. The secondgimbal 330 is generally circular in shape and is continuous and thusrepresents an inner ring. The second gimbal 330 includes a couplingmember 332 that is attached to a rear section of the second gimbal 330.The coupling member 332 can be a separate member that is attached to therear section of the second gimbal 330. The coupling member 332 isconfigured to mate and couple the second gimbal 330 to a device 340 thatimparts movement to the second gimbal 330. For example, the device 340can be in the form of a second gimbal motor, such as a servo motor, thatprovides precise control over the movement of the second gimbal 330. Thecoupling member 332 can include a hollow arm structure that receives adrive shaft that is operatively connected to the second gimbal motor340. The operation of the second gimbal motor 340 imparts pivotingmovement to the second gimbal 330.

As with the first gimbal 310, the second gimbal 330 is supported andcarried by the motion plate 210.

The inner second gimbal 330 freely pivots along a second axis thatextends through the drive shaft of motor 340. As mentioned above, thefirst and second pivot axes are orthogonal to one another as is customin a double gimbal design.

The inner second gimbal 310 supports and holds a transparent plate 315that in turn receives and supports the gemstone on an outer facingsurface thereof. The transparent plate 315 can be a glass disk as shown.The center of the transparent plate 315 is axially aligned with thelaser resulting in the light beam being centrally focused relative tothe transparent plate 315. The gemstone is disposed on the transparentplate 315 in a table down orientation. To ensure proper operation, thegemstone should be disposed initially in a central location of thetransparent plate 315.

The motion of the first and second gimbals thus allows the gemstone onplate 315 to be moved in pitch and roll motions.

In accordance with the present invention, the gimbal assembly 300 hasanother degree of motion and in particular, gimbal assembly has yawmotion. As is known, a yaw rotation is a movement around a yaw axis.

A yaw frame 350 (FIG. 9) which is circular in nature serves as a supportto which the first and second gimbals are mounted such that rotation ofthe yaw frame 350 results in rotation of the gimbals and the plate 315supported thereby. The yaw frame 350 is substantially hollow and thefirst and second gimbals are disposed within the hollow center. A yaw(spur) gear 360 is coupled to the yaw frame 350 and surrounds the firstand second gimbals. The yaw gear 360 is thus an annular shaped gear thathas a hollow center in which the two gimbals are disposed. An outersurface of the yaw gear 360 includes teeth 362. The yaw frame 350 isthus disposed at least partially within the opening formed in the motionplate 210 and the yaw gear 360 surrounds this opening and is disposedabove the top surface of the motion plate 210.

A top cover plate 361 can be disposed above the yaw gear 360 forcovering the yaw gear 360.

The yaw gear 360 is driven by a drive (pinion) gear 370 which isoperatively coupled to an actuator, such as a stepper motor 380, andincludes teeth 372. Like the yaw gear 360, the drive gear 370 isdisposed along the top surface of the motion plate 210 and mates withthe yaw gear 360 (i.e., teeth 372 mate with teeth 362).

The motion plate 210 further includes a hole through which a drive shaftpasses to connect the drive gear 370 to the motor 380 which is disposedbelow the motion plate 210. Operation of the motor 380 thus causesrotation of the drive shaft and rotation of the drive gear 370 which istranslated into rotation of the yaw gear 360. This motion is directlytranslated into rotation of the first and second gimbals and rotation ofthe plate 315 on which the gemstone is situated. The stepper motor 380allows for precision movement of the first and second gimbals in the yawdirection (yaw rotation).

The gimbal assembly 300 thus has three distinct degrees of motion,namely, pitch, roll and yaw. This degree of motion allows for optimalpositioning of the gemstone relative to the laser. All three motions arecontrolled with precision using the user interface disclosed herein.

The device 100 also further includes a gemstone centering mechanism 400which can be any number of different mechanisms including thosedescribed in the applications incorporated by reference herein.

In the illustrated embodiment, the centering mechanism 400 can be amanual mechanism. In the illustrated embodiment, the centering mechanism400 has an iris diaphragm construction and in particular, the mechanism400 is a shutter mechanism (similar to a camera) that is in the form ofa circular device with a variable diameter. The mechanism 400 utilizes adiaphragm with a top aligned disc and a lever that allows the user tocontrol the diaphragm from above. In particular, the mechanism includesa circular body that has a hollow center. The diaphragm collapses on thebody of the gemstone (jewelry (e.g. set ring) from all directions andphysically centers the object on the plate 315.

Along the circular body, a tab (lever) 410 is provided. The tab 410 isan upstanding member relative to the circular body that provides a thumbgrasp for a user to allow the user to adjust the shutter. The tab 410 isthus part of the shutter actuator and can move toward and away from thecenter of the circular body (defined within the hollow center of thebody). Thus, the user can place a thumb on the tab 410 and slide itlinearly toward the center of the body so as to collapse blade elementsthat are located within the center opening of the body. The bladeelements define a center opening (iris) that has a variable diameterdepending upon the precise location of the blade elements. For example,if the user pushes the tab 410 toward the innermost location, the bladeelements expand and define a center opening of minimum diameter.Conversely, when the tab 410 is pulled radially outward to the body, theblades collapse and define a center opening of maximum diameter.

The mechanism 400 is constructed to apply a centering force to agemstone that is seated on the transparent plate 315 to provide aninitial rough alignment. This centering force corrects some misalignmentof the gemstone on the transparent plate 315 and ensures that thegemstone is placed directly in the center of the plate 315 and is thusaxially aligned with the light beam of the laser. This centering ensuresthat the optical pattern is properly generated and recorded due to theoptimal positioning of the gemstone on the plate 315 (plastic or glassplate).

A gemstone retainer member 420 is provided and includes an upstandingarm that is pivotable (rotatable) and includes a plunger 422 or the likeat its end for contacting the stone on the plate 315. In one embodiment,shown in FIG. 13, the member 420 can be a spring load member that canride vertically along a vertical post and locked in a desired place (themember 420 likewise rotates about the vertical post). The spring loadedmember 420 operates by pressing in spring-loaded actuator of the member420 to allow the member 420 to be moved vertically along the post. Oncea desired vertical position is reached, the actuator is released causingthe member 420 to be locked in a vertical position using a traditionallocking mechanism.

In accordance with the present invention, the device 100 includes alight system 500 and a secondary imaging assembly 600. The light system500 is designed to provide light within the device 100 at desiredlocation and in particular, to bath the gemstone in light from differentlocations, etc. As described herein, the light system 500 is designed atleast in part to work in combination with the secondary imaging assembly600 to provide an image, video, etc., of the gemstone (the primary lightsource (laser) is not active during this imaging).

In one embodiment, the light system 500 includes a first light source510 that is located below the gemstone (i.e., below the plate 315) and asecond light source 520 that is located above the gemstone. The firstlight source 510 can be in the form of one or more lights that areconfigured and disposed within the interior of the housing 110 such thatwhen the lights are operated, the first light source illuminates thegemstone on plate 315 from the underside.

In one embodiment, the first light source 510 includes a plurality oflights that are fixedly mounted within the housing 110. The lights 510can be of the type that can be individually positioned within thehousing 110 and more particularly, can be of the type (e.g., a canisterlight) that pivots to allow the lights 510 to be adjusted to customizethe illumination within the housing 110.

The lights 510 can be lights that have individual housings that aremounted within the housing, such as being mounted along the first guiderods 220, it will be appreciated that the first light source 510 can beany number of other types of light arrangements. For example, the firstlight source 510 can be part of or coupled to the lens mount 170 whichholds the lens beneath the plate 315 on which the gemstone rests. Thelights 510 can thus be located in a circular pattern about the centeropening of the mount so as to not interfere with the passage of thelaser beam through the mounted lens and the overlying plate 315 on whichthe gemstone rests. In this embodiment, the lights 510 can be upwardlydirected lights that serve to illuminate the underside of the plate 315and thus, provide illumination of the gemstone.

FIG. 12 is a bottom plan view with the bottom of the housing 110 removedto show the first lights 510 which in this embodiment are in the form ofa band (ring) of lights that are formed around the lens and serve toilluminate the plate 315 and thus, the gemstone itself. The first lights510 take essentially a square shape that has one corner missing (see thenotch in the lens mount in the figure). The primary camera 375 is shownin FIG. 12 as well.

As mentioned, the second light source is disposed above the first lightsource to illuminate the plate 315 and the gemstone sitting thereon in adifferent manner compared to the first light source.

The second light source 520 can be located in a base plate 385 thatsurrounds and is disposed above the plate 315 on which the gemstone sitsas shown in FIG. 13. The plate 385 can be part of cover 120 and includesa center opening 386. The lights 520 can be disposed in multiplediscrete locations about the opening 386 (e.g., four light segments asshown).

In this location, the lights can be directed such that they illuminatelight upwardly. An underside of the door member 140 can include adome-shaped structure 390 (FIG. 13) that is disposed over the gemstonewhen the door member 140 is shut. The second light source 520 can beconfigured such that light is directed upward toward the dome-shapedstructure 390 to cause illumination of the area around the top surfaceof the plate 315. When the door member 140 is shut, the dome-shapedstructure 390 seats against the top of the plate 385 and thus operationof lights 520 can illuminate the area between the dome-shaped structure390 and the plate 315 on which the gemstone sits.

It will be appreciated that the two different light sources allow theuser to detect different light properties and perform different analysison the gemstone and further allows different types of imaging to beperformed. The different light sources can be controlled independentlyto allow the user to turn on one light source (e.g., the first lightsource or the second light source) or turn on both (all) light sources.

As discussed herein, additional lighting systems that have been added tofacilitate additional analysis, measurements, and points ofidentification. In at least one embodiment:

-   -   1) Energy efficient LED's—LED lights have been placed in        strategic positions throughout the system to provide effective        lighting for various analysis, photography, and        photomicrography. All LED's are controlled separately through        software for on/off/intensity.    -   2) UV lights—longwave UV and shortwave UV lights have been        placed in the system to capture and record the gemstones        reaction to various forms of light. These lights are controlled        separately through software for on/off/intensity. In one        embodiment, the lights can be below the platform 315 or above        the platform 315 to illuminate the gemstone and allow the        secondary camera 600 to take an image (photo) of the gemstone        (in its excited state for purposes of gemstone identification,        such as    -   3) White lights—added to the secondary camera stage for direct        assessment of scintillation and dispersion measurements.

It will therefore be understood that one or more of light sources 510,520 can be any of the above types of lights.

The secondary imaging assembly 600 supplements the primary imagingdevice 375; however, as described herein, the secondary imaging assembly600 can be used for different purposes.

In accordance with the present invention, the secondary imaging assembly600 can be adjustable in that it is configured to move between at leasttwo positions. More specifically, the secondary imaging assembly 600moves between a first position in which the device is in a home positionand a second position in which the device is in an imaging position(FIG. 8). In the home position, the secondary imaging assembly 600 isoffset and remote from the laser beam axis to permit the laser beam tostrike the gemstone resting on plate 215.

The secondary imaging assembly 600 can be disposed and mounted to thebase 150. In the illustrated embodiment, the substrate 160 is supportedon a frame 610 which is mounted to the base 150. The substrate 160 issupported on the frame 610 in such a manner that the substrate 160 iselevated (spaced) from the base 150. The substrate 160 and base 150 canbe parallel to one another as shown. The frame 610 further includes endsupports 612 and a pair of guide rails 620 that are secured to andextend between the end supports 612. The second imaging assembly 600includes a movable platform 630 which rides along the guide rails 620.More particularly, the platform 630 has a plurality of supports 632which each has a through hole that receives one guide rail 620 to permitthe support 632 to slidingly travel along the one guide rail 620. Thesupports 632 are coupled to an underside of the platform 630 and thus,both the supports 632 and the platform 630 move linearly along the guiderails 620.

As shown in the figures, the support 632 can be an L-shaped structurethat slidingly travels along a plurality of guide rails 620 with theplatform 630 being a top surface of the support 632.

In accordance with the present invention, the secondary imaging assembly600 includes an imaging device 640 for capturing an image of thegemstone. The imaging device 640 can be any number of different types ofcamera devices that are suitable for the intended application and areconfigured to either capture an image and/or video of the gemstone.These images can be displayed on display 101 and/or stored in memoryand/or set to another device over a network, etc.

An actuator is used to controllably drive the movable platform 630 andcamera 640 which is carried thereby along the guide rails 620 to movethe camera 640 between the home position and the in-use imagingposition. For example, the actuator can be a linear actuator, such as astepper motor, which drives the platform 630.

In the previous versions of the Gemprint instrument as illustrated inthe '485 publication, only one camera was used to capture the Gemprintreflection patterns. In the present invention, a second hi-resolutioncamera 640 has been added to the device 100. The secondary camera 640,unlike the primary camera 375, faces in an upward direction from thebottom of the device 100 looking up at the gemstone. As discussedherein, because the placement of the secondary camera 640 would obstructthe laser reflection pattern of the diamond to the image plate, thesecondary camera's home position is offset from the center of theinstrument, and is brought to the center by motorized controls. Thecamera 640 comes directly underneath the achromatic lens (lens mount170) to image the gemstone, and is then moved back to its home positionby motor control after the images have been taken.

The secondary camera 640 performs a number of functions including butnot limited to:

-   -   1) Photography—the secondary camera takes an image of the        gemstone or gemstone jewelry placed in the instrument (on the        platform 315). The first photograph taken is of the entire        object and provides an additional point of identification. The        photo is stored in memory as described herein and is associated        with the gemstone being investigated.    -   2) Inclusion Photography—because the camera is high resolution        (HD), its placement being controlled by motors, and the stage        (platform 315) that holds the gemstone being able to move in        pitch, roll, x, y, and z motion, the user can manipulate the        gemstone in all directions, planes, and angles, to direct the        camera in the right position to capture the inclusions contained        in the gemstone. This is another important point of        identification of the gemstone.    -   3) Shape Detection—the secondary camera is able to take a        photograph of the gemstone, and using many parameters, including        edge detection, the system is able to determine the shape of the        gemstone being Gemprinted (being imaged).    -   4) Measurements—Adding to the shape detection, the photograph        will allow one to measure the length and width or minimum and        maximum diameter of the stone.    -   5) Weight Estimation—in combination with the shape detection,        and measurement analysis, and average depth % for individual        shapes, the user is able to approximate the weight of the        gemstone. Additionally, to refine the depth estimate, we will        use our light return analysis to gauge how deep or how shallow        the gemstone is.    -   6) Damage Detection—further to the above, photographing the        object will allow for damage, chips, nicks, scratches, etc. to        be identified and included as points of identification.    -   7) Ultraviolet Characteristics—as will be discussed below, with        the addition of long and short wave ultraviolet lights, the        present system is able to capture, photograph, and measure the        gemstones reaction to the LW and SW UV lights—for further point        of identification. The UV light excites the gemstone and the        secondary camera can take a photo of the excited stone for        identification purposes (e.g., to see if the gemstone is a        synthetic stone, etc.).    -   8) Light Return/Optical Symmetry, Scintillation, Dispersion—the        present device 100 is able to capture both the output of the        laser/white light reflections, but also, the direct assessment        image of the gemstone when exposed to varying light conditions,        backgrounds, and electro-optical settings.

While the primary imaging device 375 is shown as being fixed, it will beappreciated that the primary imaging device 375 can be configured suchthat it moves between different positions to allow for optimalcollection of gemprint light refractions.

As described herein and in the '485 publication, the Gemprint device 100is an identification system for diamonds that records the unique andsubtle distinctions in diamonds, just as fingerprinting does for people.Completely noninvasive, Gemprint technology works by shining alow-powered laser light at a diamond, which is refracted within thediamond and reflected from every facet and internal characteristic. Thelight coming back from the diamond is a distinct ‘optical fingerprint’—aGemprint—that is recorded and saved in a database shared instantly amonga global network of jewelers, law-enforcement and government officials.

In addition, other changes relative to the device disclosed in the '485publication include but are not limited to the following:

Larger Stage

The stage/coated glass/achromatic lens have been increased by 100% toallow for larger gemstones/jewelry to be Gemprint and analyzed.

Unique Centering/Holding Device

Through its unique design, the jewelry arm can center the diaphragm, andthe new centering device is controlled by springs for tension, byparallel bars to keep it from rotating when in use, but the parallelbars end ⅞ the length of the jewelry arm so it can be rotated out of thespace when not needed.

Automated Electronics/Camera Controllers

In the device 100, all cameras, lenses, motors, lights, andfunctionality to be controlled through software.

Additional Motor Movements for Full Spectrum Analysis

Additional motors have been added to provide a full spectrum analysis ofthe gemstone so that every angle, direction, plane, horizontal, orvertical position can be adjusted. All cameras/lenses and lights arecontrolled by motors as well for optimal positioning. The instrument haspitch, roll, yaw, horizontal, and vertical position for each gemstone asdescribed herein.

Computer System

As in the device disclosed in the '485 publication, the device 100 ispart of a computer system that can include a video frame grabber cardand associated software, memory storage, a display screen, a user inputdevice (keyboard or touch pad, etc.), image processing software and acounter. Associated with the personal computer is the printer whichprints gemstone certificates. In addition, the personal computerincludes communication software that permits the computer to communicateover a network with other devices, such as a wired or wirelessconnection.

The following detailed description is directed to systems and methodsfor gemstone registration by generating an optical fingerprint of thegemstone and for capturing one or more image using the secondary camera.The referenced systems and methods are now described more fully withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which one or more illustratedembodiments and/or arrangements of the systems and methods are shown.The systems and methods are not limited in any way to the illustratedembodiments and/or arrangements as the illustrated embodiments and/orarrangements described below are merely exemplary of the systems andmethods, which can be embodied in various forms, as appreciated by oneskilled in the art. Therefore, it is to be understood that anystructural and functional details disclosed herein are not to beinterpreted as limiting the systems and methods, but rather are providedas a representative embodiment and/or arrangement for teaching oneskilled in the art one or more ways to implement the systems andmethods. Accordingly, aspects of the present systems and methods cantake the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely softwareembodiment (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.), oran embodiment combining software and hardware. One of skill in the artcan appreciate that a software process can be transformed into anequivalent hardware structure, and a hardware structure can itself betransformed into an equivalent software process. Thus, the selection ofa hardware implementation versus a software implementation is one ofdesign choice and left to the implementer. Furthermore, the terms andphrases used herein are not intended to be limiting, but rather are toprovide an understandable description of the systems and methods.

It will be understood that reference characters listed below and Figuresmentioned below are set forth in the '485 publication of which referenceis made.

An exemplary computer system is shown as a block diagram in FIG. 13which is a high-level diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration ofa gemstone registration system 10 that utilizes and controls theoperation of device 100. In one implementation, computing device 15 canbe a personal computer or server. In other implementations, computingdevice 15 can be a tablet computer, a laptop computer, or a mobiledevice/smartphone, though it should be understood that computing device15 of gemstone registration system 10 can be practically any computingdevice and/or data processing apparatus capable of embodying the systemsand/or methods described herein.

Computing device 15 of gemstone registration system 10 includes aprocessor 11 which is operatively connected to various hardware andsoftware components that serve to enable operation of the gemstoneregistration system 10. The processor 11 is operatively connected to amemory 12. Processor 11 serves to execute instructions for software thatcan be loaded into memory 12. Processor 11 can be a number ofprocessors, a multi-processor core, or some other type of processor,depending on the particular implementation. Further, processor 11 can beimplemented using a number of heterogeneous processor systems in which amain processor is present with secondary processors on a single chip. Asanother illustrative example, processor 11 can be a symmetricmulti-processor system containing multiple processors of the same type.

Preferably, memory 12 and/or storage 19 are accessible by processor 11,thereby enabling processor 11 to receive and execute instructions storedon memory 12 and/or on storage 19. Memory 12 can be, for example, arandom access memory (RAM) or any other suitable volatile ornon-volatile computer readable storage medium. In addition, memory 12can be fixed or removable. Storage 19 can take various forms, dependingon the particular implementation. For example, storage 19 can containone or more components or devices such as a hard drive, a flash memory,a rewritable optical disk, a rewritable magnetic tape, or somecombination of the above. Storage 19 also can be fixed or removable.

One or more software modules 13 are encoded in storage 190 and/or inmemory 12. The software modules 13 can comprise one or more softwareprograms or applications having computer program code or a set ofinstructions executed in processor 11. Such computer program code orinstructions for carrying out operations for aspects of the systems andmethods disclosed herein can be written in any combination of one ormore programming languages, including an object oriented programminglanguage such as Java, Smalltalk, C++, Python, and JavaScript or thelike and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C”programming language or similar programming languages. The program codecan execute entirely on computing device 15, partly on computing device15, as a stand-alone software package, partly on computing device 15 andpartly on a remote computer/device, or entirely on the remotecomputer/device or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computercan be connected to computing device 15 through any type of network,including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), orthe connection can be made to an external computer (for example, throughthe Internet 16 using an Internet Service Provider).

One or more software modules 13, including program code/instructions,are located in a functional form on one or more computer readablestorage devices (such as memory 12 and/or storage 19) that can beselectively removable. The software modules 13 can be loaded onto ortransferred to computing device 15 for execution by processor 11. It canalso be said that the program code of software modules 13 and one ormore computer readable storage devices (such as memory 12 and/or storage19) form a computer program product that can be manufactured and/ordistributed in accordance with the present invention, as is known tothose of ordinary skill in the art.

It should be understood that in some illustrative embodiments, one ormore of software modules 13 can be downloaded over a network to storage19 from another device or system via communication interface 15 for usewithin gemstone registration system 10. For instance, program codestored in a computer readable storage device in a server can bedownloaded over a network from the server to gemstone registrationsystem 10.

Preferably, included among the software modules 13 is a gemstonealignment module 61, an imaging module 62, an analysis module 63, and auser interface module 65 that are executed by processor 11. Execution ofthe software modules 13 configures the processor 11 to perform variousoperations relating to gemstone alignment and imaging and analysis withcomputing device 15, as will be described in greater detail below. Itshould be understood that while software modules 13 can be embodied inany number of computer executable formats, in certain implementationsone or more of the software modules 13 comprise one or more applicationsthat are configured to be executed at computing device 15 in conjunctionwith one or more applications or ‘apps’ executing at remote devices,such as computing device(s) 30, 32, and/or 34 and/or one or more viewerssuch as internet browsers and/or proprietary applications. Furthermore,in certain implementations, software modules 13 can be configured toexecute at the request or selection of a user of one of computingdevices 30, 32, and/or 34 (or any other such user having the ability toexecute a program in relation to computing device 15, such as a networkadministrator), while in other implementations computing device 15 canbe configured to automatically execute software modules 13 withoutrequiring an affirmative request to execute. It should also be notedthat while FIG. 13 depicts memory 12 oriented locally on the computingdevice 15, in an alternate arrangement, memory 12 can be operativelyconnected to the processor 11 of computing device 15. In addition, itshould be noted that other information and/or data relevant to theoperation of the present systems and methods (such as database 18) canalso be stored on storage 19, as will be discussed in greater detailbelow.

Also preferably stored on storage 19 is database 18. As will bedescribed in greater detail below, database 18 contains and/or maintainsvarious data items and elements that are utilized throughout the variousoperations of gemstone registration system 10, including but not limitedto gemstone identification information 40, images 42, etc., as will bedescribed in greater detail herein. It should be noted that althoughdatabase 18 is depicted as being configured locally to computing device15, in certain implementations database 18 and/or various of the dataelements stored therein can be located remotely (such as on a remotedevice or server—not shown) and connected to computing device 15 throughnetwork 16, in a manner known to those of ordinary skill in the art.Since device 100 includes both a primary and secondary camera imageinformation and data from each camera can be stored in memory or thelike.

A user input device 14 is also operatively connected to the processor11. The interface can be one or more input device(s) such as switch(es),button(s), key(s), a touch screen, etc. Interface serves to facilitatethe capture of certain information, such as operation commands, from theuser as discussed in greater detail below. Interface also serves tofacilitate the capture of commands from the user related to operation ofthe gemstone registration system 10.

An external display 90 can be operatively connected to the processor 11.Display includes a screen or any other such presentation device thatenables the user to view various options, parameters, and results. Byway of example, display 90 can be a digital display such as a dot matrixdisplay or other 2-dimensional display. Display 90 can thus optionallybe used in combination with the display 101 that is an integral part ofthe device 100.

By way of further example, user input device 14 and display 90 can beintegrated into a touch screen display, such as display 101.Accordingly, the screen is used to show a graphical user interface,which can display various data and provide “forms” that include fieldsthat allow for the entry of information by the user. Touching the touchscreen at locations corresponding to the display of a graphical userinterface allows the person to interact with the device to enter data,change settings, control functions, etc. So, when the touch screen istouched, the user input device communicates this change to processor,and settings can be changed, commands can be executed or user enteredinformation can be captured and stored in the memory.

Communication interface 50 is also operatively connected to theprocessor 11. Communication interface 50 can be any interface thatenables communication between the computing device 15 and externaldevices, machines and/or elements. Preferably, communication interface50 includes, but is not limited to, a modem, a Network Interface Card(NIC), an integrated network interface, a radio frequencytransmitter/receiver (e.g., Bluetooth, cellular, NFC), a satellitecommunication transmitter/receiver, an infrared port, a USB connection,and/or any other such interfaces for connecting computing device 15 toother computing devices and/or communication networks such as privatenetworks and the Internet. Such connections can include a wiredconnection or a wireless connection (e.g. using the 802.11 standard)though it should be understood that communication interface 50 can bepractically any interface that enables communication to/from theprocessor 11 of the computing device 15.

In the description that follows, certain embodiments and/or arrangementsare described with reference to acts and symbolic representations ofoperations that are performed by one or more devices, such as thegemstone registration system 10 of FIG. 13. As such, it will beunderstood that such acts and operations, which are at times referred toas being computer-executed or computer-implemented, include themanipulation by processor 11 of electrical signals representing data ina structured form. This manipulation transforms the data and/ormaintains them at locations in the memory system of the computer (suchas memory 12 and/or storage 19), which reconfigures and/or otherwisealters the operation of the system in a manner understood by thoseskilled in the art. The data structures in which data are maintained arephysical locations of the memory that have particular properties definedby the format of the data. However, while an embodiment is beingdescribed in the foregoing context, it is not meant to providearchitectural limitations to the manner in which different embodimentscan be implemented. The different illustrative embodiments can beimplemented in a system including components in addition to or in placeof those illustrated for the gemstone registration system 10. Othercomponents shown in FIG. 13 can be varied from the illustrative examplesshown. The different embodiments can be implemented using any hardwaredevice or system capable of running program code. In anotherillustrative example, gemstone registration system 10 can take the formof a hardware unit that has circuits that are manufactured or configuredfor a particular use. This type of hardware can perform operationswithout needing program code to be loaded into a memory from a computerreadable storage device to be configured to perform the operations.

For example, computing device 15 can take the form of a circuit system,an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logicdevice, or some other suitable type of hardware configured to perform anumber of operations. With a programmable logic device, the device isconfigured to perform the number of operations. The device can bereconfigured at a later time or can be permanently configured to performthe number of operations. Examples of programmable logic devicesinclude, for example, a programmable logic array, programmable arraylogic, a field programmable logic array, a field programmable gatearray, and other suitable hardware devices. With this type ofimplementation, software modules 13 can be omitted because the processesfor the different embodiments are implemented in a hardware unit.

In still another illustrative example, computing device 15 can beimplemented using a combination of processors found in computers andhardware units. Processor 11 can have a number of hardware units and anumber of processors that are configured to execute software modules 13.In this example, some of the processors can be implemented in the numberof hardware units, while other processors can be implemented in thenumber of processors.

In another example, a bus system can be implemented and can be comprisedof one or more buses, such as a system bus or an input/output bus. Ofcourse, the bus system can be implemented using any suitable type ofarchitecture that provides for a transfer of data between differentcomponents or devices attached to the bus system. Additionally,communications interface 50 can include one or more devices used totransmit and receive data, such as a modem or a network adapter.

Embodiments and/or arrangements can be described in a general context ofcomputer-executable instructions, such as program modules, beingexecuted by a computer. Generally, program modules include routines,programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., that performparticular tasks or implement particular abstract data types.

It should be further understood that while the various computing devicesand machines referenced herein, including but not limited to computingdevice 15, computing devices 30, 32, and 34 are referred to herein asindividual/single devices and/or machines, in certain implementationsthe referenced devices and machines, and their associated and/oraccompanying operations, features, and/or functionalities can bearranged or otherwise employed across any number of devices and/ormachines, such as over a network connection, as is known to those ofskill in the art.

It is to be understood that like numerals in the drawings represent likeelements through the several figures, and that not all components and/orsteps described and illustrated with reference to the figures arerequired for all embodiments or arrangements. It should also beunderstood that the embodiments, implementations, and/or arrangements ofthe systems and methods disclosed herein can be incorporated as asoftware algorithm, application, program, module, or code residing inhardware, firmware and/or on a computer useable medium (includingsoftware modules and browser plug-ins) that can be executed in aprocessor of a computer system or a computing device to configure theprocessor and/or other elements to perform the functions and/oroperations described herein. It should be appreciated that according toat least one embodiment, one or more computer programs, modules, and/orapplications that when executed perform methods of the present inventionneed not reside on a single computer or processor, but can bedistributed in a modular fashion amongst a number of different computersor processors to implement various aspects of the systems and methodsdisclosed herein.

Thus, illustrative embodiments and arrangements of the present systemsand methods provide a computer implemented method, computer system, andcomputer program product for determining product arrangements. The blockdiagram in the figures illustrates the architecture, functionality, andoperation of possible implementations of systems, methods and computerprogram products according to various embodiments and arrangements. Inthis regard, each block in the block diagram can represent a module,segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executableinstructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). Itshould also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, thefunctions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in thefigure. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, beexecuted substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes beexecuted in the reverse order, depending upon the functionalityinvolved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagramsand/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the blockdiagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by specialpurpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions oracts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computerinstructions.

Device 100 can thus be connected to the computer system 10 usingconventional means including being both wired (use of a cable) andwireless means. Data generated and recorded by the device 100 can thusbe transferred to the computing device 15 that executes software(application 17).

The user interface of the present device can be similar to thosedescribed in the '485 publication.

In the exemplary embodiment, the processor configured by executing oneor more of the software modules 13 including, preferably, user interfacemodule 65, displays a section of the display screen that represents auser interface section that allows the user to easily move the gimbalassembly 300 so as to make adjustments to the position of the gemstoneand properly position the gemstone into registration (axial alignment)with the light beam. This is a manual mode in that the alignment is donebased on commands generated by the user, for example, by the userclicking different regions of the user interface section (alignment pad)using the user input device 14. For example, the user interface sectioncan be a rectangular box that shows the centered position of the lightbeam and shows a mark or other indicia that represents the gemstone'sposition on the plate. As discussed in applicant's other patents, theoptimal alignment and the centered position of the gemstone results whenthe mark representing the gemstone's position is axially aligned with(in registration) with the light beam. A user interface indicator (suchas a cursor that moves in response to movement of user input device 14e.g., a mouse or the like) is moved along the user interface section 12of display 90 to cause a signal to be delivered by the processor 11 tothe motors that the control the gimbal assembly and the motion plateaccording to the user interaction with the user input device 14. Thisaction is thus a move and click motion in which the user can make thenecessary adjustments to the position of the gemstone by moving andclicking a location on the user interface section which in turn causesthe processor to send a control signal to one or more of the motors forcausing movements of the gimbals that result in the gemstone's centerbeing aligned. In other embodiments, the user interface section 12 canbe a touch screen and the user can use a stylet or the like to select aposition.

The gimbal assembly 300 is thus programmed to respond to the controlsignals generated by the processor which is configured by executing oneor more of the software modules, including, preferably, the userinterface module 65 and the gemstone alignment module 61, when the usermoves the tool within the user interface section 12 and in particular,the precise control of one or more of the servo motors that control theinner and outer gimbals depends upon the current position of the gimbalsand the location that is highlighted (clicked) in the user interfacesection 12. For example, only operation of the one of the servo motorsmay be needed to cause the proper adjustment of the gimbals which inturn provides adjustment of the gemstone's position. Alternatively,operation of both motors may be needed.

Thus, when the tool (e.g., cursor controlled by a mouse) is moved withinthe section 12 and then the user clicks on a specific location, theconfigured processor compares the present location of the gimbalscompared to the newly selected position and then sends controls to theservo motors to cause the necessary movement of the gimbals to positionthe gemstone in the newly selected position by means of movement of thegimbals, which corresponds to movement of the gemstone that is supportedon the transparent support the position of which is controlled by thegimbals.

It will be appreciated that the processor configured by executing one ormore software modules including, preferably, user interface module 65and imaging module 62 and analysis module 64, will cause the processorto detect the position of the gemstone and update the information shownon the display 90, 101 such that the user will readily see, in realtime, the updated position of the gemstone relative to the light beam bywatching the user interface section 12 and observing movement of themark (representing the gemstone's position) relative to the light beam.The gimbals are moved until optimal registration is realized betweengemstone and light beam.

The configured processor 11 thus allows proper identification of theowner of the gemstone, followed by details of the gemstone as assessedby a jeweler. Details of the gemstone include the cut, clarity, colorand other characteristics. This information is keyed in using the userinput 14 (e.g., a keyboard) and is stored in the database 18. Inaddition, the processor configured by executing one or more softwaremodules including, preferably, the imaging module 62 causes theprocessor to receive the video signal from the primary camera 375 andthe secondary camera and be displayed on the display screen 90 (thereflectance pattern is thus shown in real time). The camera is actuallyin an enclosure, as the display of the optical response from thegemstone is dependent upon ambient conditions, such as light conditions.The jeweler conducting the gemstone identification reviews the opticalresponse captured by the camera 375 and the secondary camera anddisplayed on the display screen and if he determines that the gemstonerequires additional power for increased clarity, he adjusts a virtualexposure control slide displayed on the computer screen using user input14. Adjustment of this control varies the power of the diode laser. Thistype of laser is easily adjustable to a host of power settings andallows the jeweler a further variable for controlling the quality of thefinal optical response. Too much light causes “blooming” in the image orvideo capture of the optical response and therefore less accuracy. Notenough power results in loss of low level responses from the gemstone.It is generally preferred to adjust towards a low level whilemaintaining the number of “hot points” in the optical response.

The primary camera 375 and the personal computer 15 allow a jeweler toexamine the video image of a properly located gemstone and adjusts thepower of the laser by using the exposure control slide displayed on thecomputer screen. The jeweler thus adjusts the power of the laser to alevel for optimum image capture. The video or initial image can use a256 level gray scale and changes in exposure are immediately reflectedin the displayed image. The 256 gray scale provides very good accuracyin distinguishing between areas which are reflected or refracted lightbeams and areas which do not have any significant light response.

Once the jeweler has adjusted the device and is satisfied that the videoimage would be suitable for recording, he actuates the virtual “CAPTURE”button displayed on display 90 which is received by the processor 11.Receiving the CAPTURE input by the processor 11, which is configured byexecuting one or more of the software modules 13 including, preferably,the imaging module 62, causes the primary camera 375 to capture one ormore static images of the gemstone and execute image processingalgorithms implementing various corrections to the image and convert theimages to a monochromatic display format. In this case, the “hot spots”are now shown as black areas and the remaining area is white. As shownon the display screen of FIG. 13 of the '485 publication, there is anumber of function buttons, namely “OK”, “CANCELLED”, and “CAPTURED”, aswell as an “EXPOSURE LEVEL” slide. This image has also undergone anumber of corrections, one of which is for the angle at which the camerais located relative to the gemstone. In addition, the configuredprocessor processes the images to make certain corrections to compensatefor characteristics of the LEDs and factors introduced by the particularcamera. These corrections are determined upon start-up of the camera.For example, the LEDs produce hot spots in the image captured by thecamera, but serve the useful purpose of locating the center of theimage. Accordingly, during start-up, a background image is capturedwhich includes the effect of these LEDs and other characteristics of theparticular camera and is stored in memory or storage. These effects canthen be removed by the image processing steps to leave a captured imagemore accurately reflecting the characteristics of the gemstone. Itshould be understood that the captured image reflecting thecharacteristics of the gemstone can also be referred to as the gemprint.It will be appreciated that the above features are merely exemplary andare not required in all applications.

Once the user presses the CAPTURE button, the static captured image isdisplayed at area of the display screen and the static captured image isstored in memory or storage and serves as the fingerprint for thegemstone.

With the images shown in FIG. 13 of the '485 publication, the jewelerthen has the option to confirm that the image is appropriate forrecordal and if this is the case, one would execute the CAPTURE button.This image is then combined with the inputted information regarding theidentity of the owner and the various characteristics of the gemstonefor recordal purposes and is stored in storage 19 (e.g., database 18).It is also possible at that time to provide a certificate of thisoptical display, the identity of the owner and gemstone characteristics.

Other features that can be part of the present device and the operationof the present device can be understood by a review of Applicant'sprevious patents that are incorporated herein.

As discussed hereinbefore, the user can control operation of thesecondary camera through the user interface described herein.

The present system can be used by the jeweler in a number of differentways. The most simplified and common service provided by the jeweler iswith respect to gemstone identification and recordal. In this case, theowner of the gemstone wishes to have the gemstone properly identified byits optical image as well as the physical characteristics of the stoneand have this combined information recorded in a centralized database.In this way, the user knows that his stone has been accurately“fingerprinted” and this record is maintained in a central database forfuture retrieval. If the gemstone is stolen, the optical image may betransferred to a database of stolen gemstones and any recoveredgemstones can be cross-checked against this database. One of the majorproblems is matching recovered stolen gemstones with their owner. Thisproblem is overcome by the above arrangement where the stolen gemstonedatabase is searchable by the police.

A further service provided by the jeweler allows verification ofgemstones and can be used by the jeweler with respect to jewelry repair.

It will be understood that the device 100 of the present invention canperform any of the operations described in the '485 publication and/orhave any of the features described in the '485 publication. The device100 can thus perform any of the imaging analysis described in the '485publication and the device 100 can be used as a gemstone simulantdetector as described in detail in the '485 publication. Further, thedevice 100 can have any of the light performance functionality describedin the '485 publication. Thus, the gemstone registration device 100 canalso inform an individual about how well the gemstone is cut, by lookingat a plurality (e.g., four or more) different metrics of lightperformance, or light handling ability. As set forth below, thedifferent metrics can include but are not limited to light return,optical symmetry, scintillation, and optionally, light dispersion andbrilliance of any given gemstone.

The gemstone registration device 100 can thus offer direct lightassessment functionality to supplement the gemprint identificationinformation that can be supplied to a person, such as a manufacturer, aretailer, a consumer, etc. In terms of the device itself, FIG. 1 showsone exemplary gemstone registration device 100 that includes theadditional functionality described herein. It should be understood thatthe gemstone registration device 100 can include a computing device,such as computing device 15, for controlling the operation of thegemstone registration device 100 in accordance with the disclosedembodiments.

In addition to the properties described in the '485 publication, thedevice 100 is configured to perform optical brilliance analysis.

The device directly assesses the overall return of light to the viewer,called ‘brilliance’.

The Optical Brilliance image is actually a digital photograph of thediamond taken in a special lighting environment that creates a strongcontrast between the bright and dark areas. The image is then processedin a proprietary computer program that calculates the percentage ofbrilliance and the amount of light loss. This is a scientificallyaccurate and repeatable way to measure brilliance. The light gray areasof the image are facet outlines resulting from image processing toprovide a realistic representation of the diamond's unique faceting.

In the Optical Brilliance Analysis image on a sample certificate, thewhite represents the light return and the blue represents areas of lightloss. The light return is quantified based on measurable light return(aka—performance) and then graded as: Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fairor Poor.

Since the Optical Brilliance is measured by direct assessment, meaningthat it is judged based on the way each diamond actually performs ratherthan a theoretical model, the brilliance image of each individualdiamond will always look slightly different.

A user can explain to your customer that brilliance is what gives adiamond its life, and what makes a diamond shine from across a room.Diamonds with a low percentage of brilliance look dull and dark. You candemonstrate to your customer how their diamond compares to other gradesby showing them the scale on the cover panel of the certificate.

While the invention has been described in connection with certainembodiments thereof, the invention is capable of being practiced inother forms and using other materials and structures. Accordingly, theinvention is defined by the recitations in the claims appended heretoand equivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for producing a reproducibleidentification pattern of a polished gemstone comprising: a platform forreceiving the gemstone; a light source for directing a focused beam oflight onto the gemstone to produce an output of the internal refractionand reflection characteristics of the gemstone including reflected lightbeams having particular locations, sizes and intensities; an automatedpositioning mechanism for changing a position of the gemstone relativeto the focused beam of light, wherein the automated positioningmechanism is configured to change a yaw motion of the platform on whichthe gemstone rests by causing controlled rotation of the platform; and afirst imaging device for recording the output in a manner to record therelative size and location of the reflected light beams.
 2. The deviceof claim 1, wherein the automated positioning mechanism is configured toalso change a pitch and roll of the platform.
 3. The device of claim 1,wherein the platform is coupled to a yaw assembly that includes a yawframe to which the platform is coupled and a yaw gear that is separatefrom and mounted to the yaw frame and is operatively connected to amotor by a drive gear to allow the yaw frame to be controllably rotatedand thereby rotate the platform, wherein the yaw gear completelysurrounds the platform.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the platformhas a planar top surface to allow the gemstone to be oriented with itstable facing down and seated against the planar top surface of theplatform, the platform being formed of a material that allows thefocused beam of light to pass therethrough and contact the gemstonedisposed on the planar top surface.
 5. The device of claim 2, whereinthe automated positioning mechanism includes: (a) a gimbal assembly forchanging a position of the gemstone relative to the focused beam oflight, wherein the gimbal assembly includes a first gimbal and a secondgimbal, the first gimbal pivoting about a first axis and the secondgimbal pivoting about a second axis that is perpendicular to the firstaxis, the platform being coupled to the second gimbal such that theplatform extends across a center opening of the second gimbal, the firstand second gimbals being configured to change the pitch and roll of theplatform; (b) a yaw frame to which the first and second gimbals aremounted, the yaw frame being free to rotate so as to change the yaw ofthe platform due to rotation of the first and second gimbals when theyaw frame rotates.
 6. The device of claim 5, wherein the first gimbal isoperatively coupled to a first motor by a first drive shaft forcontrollably rotating the first gimbal about the first axis and thesecond gimbal is operatively coupled to a second motor by a second driveshaft for controllably rotating the second gimbal about the second axis,wherein the first and second motors are fixedly attached to the yawframe and rotate therewith.
 7. The device of claim 5, wherein the yawframe is coupled to a yaw gear that is intimately coupled to a powereddrive gear to cause controlled rotation of the yaw frame.
 8. The deviceof claim 7, wherein the first and second gimbals are disposed within ahollow center of the yaw frame and the yaw gear is disposedcircumferentially about the first and second gimbals such that the yawgear completely surrounds the first and second gimbals.
 9. The device ofclaim 7, wherein the powered drive gear comprises a pinion gear that isoperatively coupled to a yaw motion motor.
 10. The device of claim 5,wherein the gimbal assembly and the yaw frame are coupled to a motionplate which is configured to be controllably moved in both anx-direction and a y-direction so as to allow the gemstone to be moved inthe x-direction and the y-direction.
 11. The device of claim 10, furtherincluding a plurality of 2-way slide supports that are free to movealong a first pair of guide rails in the x-direction resulting in themotion plate moving in the x-direction and a plurality of second guiderails that are coupled to the 2-way slide supports and a plurality of1-way slide supports to which the motion plate is mounted, the 1-wayslide supports being free to move along the pair of second guide railsresulting in the motion plate moving in the y-direction.
 12. The deviceof claim 11, wherein the pair of first guide rails are parallel to oneanother and the pair of second guide rails are parallel to one anotherand are disposed perpendicular to the first guide rails, each 2-wayslide support having a first bore formed therein for receiving one endof one first guide rail and a second bore formed therein for receivingone end of one second guide rail, the first and second bores lying indifferent planes and being formed orthogonal to one another.
 13. Thedevice of claim 6, wherein the first and second motors are controlled bysignals generated by a processor and the device is part of a computersystem that includes a display screen on which a user interface sectionis displayed, the user interface section having a user interface toolthat can be moved along the user interface section by the user to causethe processor to generate signals that result in incremental movement ofone or more of the gimbals resulting in the gemstone being repositionedrelative to the light source.
 14. The device of claim 1, furtherincluding: an integral display that is mounted within a housing of thedevice and moves between a stored position in which the display iscontained within the housing and a deployed position in which thedisplay is disposed external to the housing, the display for graphicallydisplaying: at least one captured first image that represents a totallight return for the gemstone and a respective light return grade forthe gemstone and at least one captured second image that represents theoptical symmetry of the gemstone and a respective optical symmetry gradefor the gemstone.
 15. The device of claim 1, wherein the first imagingdevice comprises a primary camera.
 16. The device of claim 1, furtherincluding a secondary imaging device for capturing an image of thegemstone.
 17. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is configured toperform an optical brilliance analysis.
 18. The device of claim 1,wherein the platform is rotated about an axis that is parallel to alongitudinal axis of the light beam.
 19. The device of claim 3, whereinthe yaw gear comprises an annular shaped gear with the platform beingcentrally located within a center opening of the annular shaped gear.20. The device of claim 10, wherein a first motor controls the movementof the motion plate in the x-direction and a separate second motorcontrols the movement of the motion plate in the y-direction.
 21. Adevice for producing a reproducible identification pattern of a polishedgemstone comprising: a platform for receiving the gemstone; a lightsource for directing a focused beam of light onto the gemstone toproduce an output of the internal refraction and reflectioncharacteristics of the gemstone including reflected light beams havingparticular locations, sizes and intensities; an automated positioningmechanism for changing a position of the gemstone relative to thefocused beam of light, wherein the automated positioning mechanism isconfigured to change a yaw motion of the platform on which the gemstonerests; a first imaging device for recording the output in a manner torecord the relative size and location of the reflected light beams; asecondary imaging device for capturing an image of the gemstone; andwherein the device is configured to analyze the light performance of thegemstone and the secondary imaging device comprises a secondary camerathat moves between a home position in which it is spaced from the lightsource and an operating position in which the secondary camera isdisposed below the gemstone and the light source is not actuated. 22.The device of claim 21, further including a light system forilluminating the gemstone, wherein the light system and the secondaryimaging device are positioned such that, in the operating position, thesecondary imaging device captures an image of the gemstone that isilluminated by the light system.
 23. The device of claim 21, wherein thesecondary camera is configured to perform one or more of the followingoperations: a) photography—the secondary camera takes an image of thegemstone or gemstone jewelry placed on the platform and provides anadditional point of identification; b) inclusion photography—a user canmanipulate the gemstone in all directions, planes, and angles, to directthe secondary camera in an optimal position to capture any inclusionscontained in the gemstone; c) shape detection—the secondary camera takesa photograph of the gemstone, and using many parameters, including edgedetection, the device is able to determine the shape of the gemstone; d)measurements—Adding to the shape detection, the photograph will allow usto measure the length and width or minimum and maximum diameter of thestone; e) weight estimation—in combination with the shape detection, andmeasurement analysis, and average depth % for individual shapes, thedevice is able to approximate the weight of the gemstone; f) damagedetection—photographing the gemstone using the secondary camera willallow for damage, chips, nicks, scratches, etc. to be identified andincluded as points of identification; g) ultraviolet characteristics—thedevice is able to capture, photograph, and measure the gemstonesreaction to the longwave and shortwave UV lights to provide furtherpoints of identification; and h) light return/optical symmetry,scintillation, dispersion—the device is able to capture both the outputof the laser/white light reflections, but also, the direct assessmentimage of the gemstone when exposed to varying light conditions,backgrounds, and electro-optical settings.
 24. The device of claim 22,wherein the light system includes a first light system disposed belowthe platform for illuminating the gemstone from an underside and asecond light system disposed above the platform for illuminating thegemstone from above the platform.
 25. The device of claim 24, whereinone or more of the first and second light systems are: a) Energyefficient LED's; b) long wave and shortwave UV lights; or c) whitelights—added to a stage of the secondary camera for direct assessment ofscintillation and dispersion measurements.
 26. A device for producing areproducible identification pattern of a polished gemstone comprising: aplatform for receiving the gemstone; a light source for directing afocused beam of light onto the gemstone to produce an output of theinternal refraction and reflection characteristics of the gemstoneincluding reflected light beams having particular locations, sizes andintensities; an automated positioning mechanism for changing a positionof the gemstone relative to the focused beam of light, wherein theautomated positioning mechanism is configured to change a yaw motion ofthe platform on which the gemstone rests; a first imaging device forrecording the output in a manner to record the relative size andlocation of the reflected light beams; and wherein the device includes ahousing with a cover that moves between an open and closed position, thecover being positioned over the platform to allow access to the platformwhen the cover is in the open position, wherein an underside of thecover includes a concave shape dome structure that seats against arecessed base plate located above the platform, the base plate includinga center opening through which the platform is accessed and the concaveshaped dome covers the center opening in the closed position.
 27. Thedevice of claim 26, wherein a light source is provided in the baseplate, the light source comprising a plurality of lights that arepositioned such that the lights are below the concave shaped dome whenthe cover is in the closed position.
 28. The device of claim 27, whereinthe plurality of lights comprises LEDs.
 29. A device for producing areproducible identification pattern of a polished gemstone comprising: aplatform for receiving the gemstone; a light source for directing afocused beam of light onto the gemstone to produce an output of theinternal refraction and reflection characteristics of the gemstoneincluding reflected light beams having particular locations, sizes andintensities; an automated positioning mechanism for changing a positionof the gemstone relative to the focused beam of light, wherein theautomated positioning mechanism includes: (a) a gimbal assembly forchanging a position of the gemstone relative to the focused beam oflight, the gimbal assembly including a first gimbal that is operativelycoupled to a first motor and a second gimbal that is operatively coupledto a second motor and (b) a yaw frame to which the first and secondgimbals are mounted, the yaw frame being free to rotate so as to movethe platform in a yaw motion due to rotation of the first and secondgimbals when the yaw frame rotates, wherein the first and second motorsare attached to and carried by the yaw frame; a first imaging device forrecording the output in a manner to record the relative size andlocation of the reflected light beams.
 30. The device of claim 29,wherein the change in yaw motion results in the platform being rotatedabout an axis that is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the light beam.31. The device of claim 29, further including a yaw gear to which theyaw frame is attached, the yaw gear being operatively coupled to adriven gear such that rotation of the driven gear is translated intorotation of the yaw gear, the yaw gear comprising an annular shaped gearwith the platform being centrally located within a center opening of theannular shaped gear.
 32. The device of claim 31, wherein the yaw gearincludes teeth formed 360° about an outer peripheral edge thereof. 33.The device of claim 31, wherein the platform and yaw gear are concentricto one another.